I think it's good for writers to enter contests. This contest is specific to NEW writers. Often when you enter contests, you get valuable, unbiased feedback from industry professionals. This contest will supply writers with a scoresheet of their entry.
Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts is holding a contest for new writers. They define new writers as those who have not had a novel professionally published in any genre. Self-published authors of no more than two books with limited exposure and sales may enter a new work. This contest is open to all US citizens, 16 years of age and older.
The contest began accepting submissions on June 1st, and the deadline is midnight EST on June 30th. Entries consist of Chapter 1 (up to 20 pages double spaced) of a novel-length manuscript plus a 1-page (single-spaced) synopsis.
The genre categories are Romance/Women’s Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and General Fiction/Memoir. Submissions are limited to 25 total entries per genre and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. So don't delay in sending in your entry.
They're very specific about the contest guidelines, so be sure to read through the rules carefully. The cost to enter is $35 per submission, which is a fair price.
Polish up your first chapter and send it off! Write on, friends!